Dear parents and students, September 4, 2018
I am excited to be working with you this year in the Creative Writing course at KEYS. This course is designed to enhance the student’s writing ability in a variety of contexts, and it will include (1) instruction in the process of writing and (2) practice in various forms of writing—to include descriptive writing, creative writing (particularly prose and poetry), academic writing (including instruction in basic essay form), and personal writing (especially journal writing). More information is available on the class website. (See link below. Please visit this site with your student before Thursday. See first homework assignment on the Homework Blog, due beforeThursday.)
Students will also be required to read a certain amount of quality literature each month and to complete a Reading Log. The books for the Reading Log will be those they are not reading or studying in any wayfor any other course, including any reading you assign at home. These books are to be selectedby the student but approvedby both you and me. (More information available on CW website and in the separate handout with this email.)
While we will be reviewing basic grammar as needed (based on the errors I observe that the students are making in class and in their writing), we will not be engaged in a systematic study of grammar in this course, nor will the scope of this course cover in-depth study of works of literature. Specific suggestions for materials that can be used to supplement study in these areas (grammar, literature, and spelling) can be found on the class website. I would strongly suggest you use these materials, or others like them, throughout the school year—omitting any suggested writing components, of course! (More information available on CW website.)
There is no single textbook that we will be using for this course; I will be drawing from many different sources throughout the year. There will be a “library fee” of $20, to cover the cost of duplication and/or purchase of these materials, and of printing student compositions during the grading process. In addition, we will be using the excellent student writing handbook, Writers Inc., which you will need to obtain through Amazon or another source. I’m sure you have seen the course description on the KEYS website for information on ordering this book and other materials your student will need in time for the first day of class. (More information available on CW or KEYS website.)
If you and your student have any questions or concerns at any time throughout the year concerning your child’s progress or the coursework itself, please contact me! You may email me anytime, or you may call/ text me between the hours of 6 a.m. and 9 p.m.
I thank you for the privilege of working with your child this year, and I am very much looking forward to helping your student become a better writer!
Sincerely, Laurie Sitterding
757.289.8636 ~ ParksidePedagogy@gmail.com
Class website for students and parents: www.sites.google.com/site/parksidepedagogy/creativewriting